Pierre Gasly hoping to make Formula 1 debut in Malaysia

Pierre Gasly has not denied that he looks set to become the newest rookie in Formula 1.

Over the weekend, multiple authoritative sources including Germany's major newspaper Bild said that Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz is set to move to Renault after Singapore, replacing the struggling Jolyon Palmer.

Sainz looks to be part of a complex deal regarding the McLaren-Honda split and the British team's switch to Renault power.

"I've heard the story and I think all the details are being worked out now," Frenchman Gasly, first in line for a vacancy at the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso, said in Japan where he races in the Super Formula series.

"Getting into Formula 1 is my dream and I am making every effort to fulfil it," the 21-year-old is quoted as saying by Japanese source F1 Sokuho.

"I think there could be movement in the next couple of days, there may be some news, and I really hope that I can race [for Toro Rosso] in Malaysia."

However, Bild newspaper said that Gasly is not the only contender, with Honda likely to push to accommodate their own young talent Nobuharu Matsushita.

The entire saga also involves the uncertain future of Fernando Alonso, with McLaren now needing to raise €40m (£36.4m) to pay the Spaniard in light of Honda's departure not only as supplier but major sponsor.

"We are in negotiations with some first-class sponsors for 2018," McLaren chief Zak Brown said.

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place this Sunday, with Malaysia following on October 1.